Gilbert hits out at age ruling

WTA limits on the number of tournaments in which teenagers can play have drawn much criticism, writes Richard Evans

CRITICISM was growing yesterday of the WTA’s age eligibility rule that will restrict Maria Sharapova to just five more tournaments between now and next January. Brad Gilbert, Andy Roddick’s coach, decribed the WTA as “delusional” in expecting to be able to enforce the rule, while Pam Shriver, an influential figure in the women’s game, also expressed her doubts.

The rule limits the number of tour events that players under the age of 18 — such as Sharapova, who is 16 — can play. “They are completely delusional if they think they could get away with a legal action against restriction of trade,” Gilbert told BBC Radio Five Live. “They are just impeding these kids’ progress. Of course there have been problems with some girls, but the WTA hide behind the Jennifer Capriati problem and, as far as I know, she’s back out there playing.”